Championship play-off

Brown aiming to beat Boothroyd at his own game

Phil Brown, the boss of Hull City, has said he wants to emulate Watford counterpart Aidy Boothroyd's managerial achievements ahead of today's first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final between the sides.

Boothroyd helped the Hornets to reach the Premier League with promotion via the play-offs two years ago and Brown is hoping to do the same this season as Hull bid to reach the top flight for the first time in the club's 104-year history.

'He [Boothroyd] has already sampled something I haven't and that's promotion to the Premier League,' said Brown, ahead of today's trip to Vicarage Road. 'I would like to achieve what he's achieved. But we are locking horns and there will be no love lost [today], or on Wednesday [in the second leg]. 'I'm looking forward to it. I think both games will be a great spectacle.'

Watford go into today's game with just one win from their last 14 games, but Brown believes the form book will count for nothing. 'I fully expect Adrian Boothroyd's team to be throwing everything at us, the kitchen sink and all,' he said. 'We've got to make sure we come away with something to hang onto.'

Boothroyd has backed Hungarian striker Tamas Priskin to help fire his side past Hull. With first-choice striker Darius Henderson ruled out because of suspension, Priskin is set to partner Nathan Ellington up front.

Henderson was shown a red card on the final day of the season at Blackpool, while Steve Kabba is doubtful with a dead leg. In-form striker Theo Robinson is ineligible after a season-long loan at Hereford, leaving Boothroyd with few options, but he is confident 21-year-old Priskin can produce the goods.

'He's played in big games for Hungary and I hope he can do it for us,' Boothroyd said. 'We might need to be a bit different to normal because Hull have got some physical players. Henderson has been a terrific player for us and we will miss him. Hull will be delighted he is not playing, but it gives someone else an opportunity.'

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